Madrid’s Carvajal to miss several months after knee injury

• Published On: 06 October 2024 at 20:32

Real Madrid confirmed Sunday that Spanish defender Dani Carvajal will be sidelined for several months due to a serious knee injury sustained during a La Liga match against Villarreal.

"He has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a rupture of the external collateral ligament and a rupture of the popliteus tendon in his right leg," according to a statement from Real Madrid.

The Madrid captain hurt his knee in the final minutes of the reigning champions' 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday night, bringing the team level with La Liga leaders Barcelona, who face Alaves on Sunday.

Carvajal, 32, collapsed in agony while attempting to clear a ball under pressure from Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino.



On Instagram, the right-back, who won Euro 2024 with Spain this summer, confirmed he would be out for a few months.

"A serious cruciate ligament injury has been confirmed; I'll need surgery and be out for a few months.

"I can't wait to begin my recovery and return like a beast. "Thank you so much to everyone for your messages; I feel very loved," Carvajal wrote.


Later Sunday, the European champions announced that Carvajal had previously agreed to extend his contract, which was set to expire at the end of the season.

"Real Madrid announces that, as planned, we have agreed with Dani Carvajal the extension of our player's contract, who remains linked to the club until 30 June 2026," the Spanish giants said in a statement.

Carvajal received support on social media from his teammates and celebrity figures.

Carlos Alcaraz, a Spanish tennis star, wrote, "Keep up the good work, Dani! "You'll come back stronger."

Real Madrid were without Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao for much of last season due to similar knee injuries.

Spain will be without Carvajal in the coming months, as will Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez, who is also sidelined with a serious knee injury.

Madrid also confirmed that winger Vinicius Junior, who scored in the win over Villarreal, had sustained a neck injury, though Spanish reports expect him to be back after the international break.